'Nothing left in the tank'

Cook to retire after India series

After a 12-year career during which he broke most English batting records, marathon man Alastair Cook finally admitted that he has run out of gas and announced that Friday's fifth Test against India will be his last of a storied journey. Photo: AFP

Reuters, London

Alastair Cook, England's leading Test run-scorer, will retire from international cricket after this week's fifth Test against India, the 33-year-old said on Monday.

The left-handed opening batsman, who captained England in 59 Tests, admitted there was "nothing left in the tank" after enduring a poor run of form in nine Tests this year in which he has averaged 18.62 runs compared with a career average of 44.88.

"After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket," Cook, who will play his 161st Test starting on Friday, said in a statement.

"I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game," he added.

Cook, who will continue playing for his county Essex next season, thanked his mentor Graham Gooch, whose England Test runs record of 8,900 he passed in 2015.

"A special mention must go to the Barmy Army and all supporters for their constant encouragement for the team," Cook said.

"Graham was my sounding board, especially in the early years of my career, spending hour after hour throwing balls at me with his dog stick. He made me realise you always need to keep improving whatever you are trying to achieve. My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams and this could not have been done without them."

"Alastair's selfless dedication to the England cause and his desire to succeed are an object lesson to any professional cricketer ... he fully deserves to be remembered as one of England's greaTest ever cricketers," Graves said in a statement..